AdminIn a strategic shift away from conventional hospital-based campaigns, Novartis Malaysia has taken prostate cancer awareness directly into lifestyle communities, partnering the Harley Owners Group Malaysia and the Ferrari Owners Club Malaysia.
The initiative featured an interactive talk show titled “Does Size Matter?”, blending humour with hard truths about men’s health. Local comedian Douglas Lim headlined the sessions, using wit and relatable storytelling to dismantle taboos surrounding prostate health. Clinical perspectives were delivered by Dr Ahmad Radzi of Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Dr John Low from OncoCare Malaysia, who provided evidence-based insights into risk factors, symptoms and the urgent need for early detection.
“Engaging men through communities they trust helps create a more open, supportive environment for health conversations,” said Sanjeev Balachandran, Country President, Novartis Malaysia, Brunei and Asia Emerging Markets (AEM). “Since men are statistically more likely to delay or avoid seeking care, innovative initiatives like these encourage timely screening and intervention. That is why Novartis is championing men’s health with empathy, science, and a touch of humor, staying true to our mission of improving and extending the lives of over 35 million Malaysians.”
Why size matters in prostate health
Medical experts highlighted that prostate enlargement is common with age and often asymptomatic, making early-stage cancer difficult to detect. As a result, around six in 10 Malaysian men are diagnosed only at advanced stages, when treatment options are more limited and survival outcomes poorer.
The sessions underscored how new diagnostic tools are reshaping the landscape. Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen, or PSMA, is highly expressed in prostate cancer cells, including those that have metastasised. This makes it a valuable target for PSMA-Positron Emission Tomography imaging, which enables faster and more precise detection.
As the experts explained, “PSMA PET imaging pinpoints cancer cells and guides the delivery of RLT precisely to where it’s needed, minimizing harm to surrounding healthy cells.”
Radioligand therapy, a form of precision medicine, has shown promising results for advanced-stage patients, offering targeted treatment that limits collateral damage to surrounding tissue.
Advancing innovation through community partnerships
The collaboration reflects Novartis’ broader commitment to reimagining cancer care pathways and closing treatment gaps in advanced prostate cancer. By embedding awareness efforts within trusted lifestyle groups such as HOG and FOCM, the company aims to normalise conversations about prostate health among men who might otherwise postpone screening.
Beyond awareness talks, men are encouraged to take proactive steps, whether by scheduling check-ups or supporting loved ones to get screened. Verified information and specialist centre listings are available through the ICanCare app, reinforcing that early action can be lifesaving.
In taking science to the streets — and even the open road — Novartis signals that the future of men’s health advocacy lies not only in clinics, but within communities themselves.
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